What the LM393PS is and where it fits
The LM393PS is a dual differential comparator from Texas Instruments, part of the LM393 family. It compares two analog voltages and outputs a logic-level signal indicating which is higher, making it a fundamental building block in threshold detection, zero-crossing detectors, and window comparators. Housed in an 8-SOIC package (0.209", 5.30mm width), it's a surface-mount part supplied in Tube format. The 8-SO package is a common, easy-to-rework footprint — pin 1 is clearly marked by a notch and dot, so you won't struggle to orient it under the hot air.
Supply range and output flexibility
The LM393PS runs on a single supply from 2V to 36V, or dual supplies from ±1V to ±18V. That wide range means it can sit on a 3.3V logic rail, a 5V industrial bus, or a 24V automotive line without a separate regulator — one less part on the BOM. Its output can be configured as CMOS, MOS, open-drain, or TTL logic. The open-drain output is especially useful for wired-OR connections and level shifting to a different voltage domain — just pull it up to the logic supply of the downstream controller.
Key electrical specs for the bench
Each comparator can sink or source up to 20mA typical output current — enough to drive a small relay coil or an LED indicator directly, though you'll want a series resistor to limit the current. Quiescent current maxes at 2.5mA for both channels, keeping the power budget tight in battery-powered designs. These are standard figures for a general-purpose comparator — fine for most threshold and zero-crossing work, but you'll want a precision comparator if you're measuring microvolt-level signals.
Temperature grade and operating environment
Not rated for automotive under-hood or outdoor telecom cabinets that see -40°C. The LM393PS is ROHS3 Compliant per Texas Instruments, so it meets the current EU RoHS directive without exemptions.
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